Earl Warren Nelson

Earl Warren Nelson

Iowa City

Earl Warren Nelson, 98, of Iowa City, Iowa, passed away Nov. 11, 2022, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville, Iowa.

Earl was born on June 23, 1924, in Albert Lea, Minn., to Roy and Anna (Olson) Nelson. He graduated from Albert Lea High School before joining the U.S. Navy and serving as a naval aviator in World War II. After the war Earl married Leanna Rogers on May 15, 1947, in Reading, Minn. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Minnesota in 1949 and began his extensive career in banking. In 1965 he started Hawkeye State Bank in Iowa City and was involved with many other banks in Iowa, Minnesota and Florida over the years. He moved to Mason City, Iowa, in 1976 and later Austin, Minn., where he eventually retired in 2000. Earl was a member of the Pioneer Banker Club, a recognition for attaining 50 years of active service in banking. Earl enjoyed golfing, working on his yard and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his three children, Jay (Kirsten) Nelson of Austin, Minn., Tom Nelson of North Liberty, Iowa, and Jody (John) VanDuyn of Urbandale, Iowa; five grandchildren, Amy (Justin) Hartman, Barry (Jenny) VanDuyn, Emma (Sam) Muenzer-Doy, Owen Nelson and Davis Nelson; and three great-grandchildren; Asher, Andrew and Sylvie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and three siblings, Russell, Richard and Dorothy Ann.

Earl’s family would like to thank the Iowa City VA for the care they provided for the last 15 years.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.lensingfuneral.com.